'I evict newts from a castle for a living'

6 hours ago

Zara HealyEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — National Trust ranger Nick Dunnett patrols the cellar at Tattershall Castle to check for newts

National Trust A man stands in a dark basement and he is wearing trousers, an anorak and holding a torch and some keys, as he studies an old stone wall in front of him — National Trust ranger Nick Dunnett patrols the cellar at Tattershall Castle to check for newts

Is this Britain's most unusual job? National Trust ranger Nick Dunnett spends his days combing the cellars of Lincolnshire's Tattershall Castle looking for a protected species likened to a "mini dinosaur".

His target in the 15th Century attraction near Sleaford is the great crested newt.

A very large breeding population can be found in the moat and surrounding land.

"The water in the moats provides opportunities for courtship displays, breading, egg laying and the development of young newts," says Nick.

During the winter, some manage to sneak their way into the castle by exploiting old tunnels and cracks in the mortar between bricks.

Nick says: "Some are known to seek shelter in cold, dark, damp places over winter. The castle's basement provides excellent opportunity for this."

Getty Images A large, shiny newt with dark eyes is lying stretched out, across a large leaf — The great crested newt is protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act

However, it seems a castle cellar is not the best place for a great crested newt.

"The lime mortar between the handmade bricks can fatally damage the newt's skin," explains Nick.

"When we find individual newts in places where they could come to harm, we carefully rescue them with permission from Natural England and relocate them to purpose-built refuges around the grounds."

BBC News A tall castle sits in the centre of the picture, surrounded by trees, grass and a bridge on a sunny day with clouds behind it — Tattershall Castle is home to protected species such as great crested newts

The refuges are made from stacked bricks and offer safe, damp spaces where newts can hibernate undisturbed in the castle grounds.

Six great crested newts have been rescued and rehoused this winter.

Nick says the utmost care is taken.

"All of this work is carried out in line with strict wildlife legislation, ensuring these special animals are protected."

Known as warty newts or little dinosaurs due to their distinctive crest, they can grow up to 17cm (7in) in length. They have been in decline for the past 50 years.

National Trust A dark basement in a castle, with a window where light comes through and illuminates the cobbles and stones on the ancient floor — The dark castle basement provides shelter for newts but the lime mortar can damage newts' skin

Working with a team of ranger volunteers, staff manage the moat and surrounding habitats.

"This includes maintaining water levels, managing aquatic and bank-side vegetation, creating and looking after refuges, and carrying out regular surveys and monitoring," says Nick.

"In drier years, when water levels can drop, it's important we take extra care to protect the newts' habitat and safeguard the long-term health of the great crested newt population, helping to ensure breeding can continue successfully."

National Trust A man in an anorak and woolly hat, is bending over holding a box outdoors, on the banks of a moat — Nick relocates newts from the castle's unsuitable cellar to the moat

Nick, who joined the castle's team in 2024, says caring for the site's history and protected species is "one of the most special" parts of the job.

He says: "Here at Tattershall, nature and heritage go hand in hand. By caring for both, we're helping to ensure this special place remains alive with history, wildlife and wonder for generations to come."

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